Safety Tips

• Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home.

• As students and tourists, you are always a target for crime

• While traveling, do not call attention to yourself by acting or dressing like an American. For example, do not wear clothing with loud American name brands or teams on them

• Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments

• Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters

• Do not hitchhike

• While traveling you may become extremely tired. You then become an easy target while sleeping in buses, trains, etc. To avoid this, take 'watch shifts' in group while some people sleet. In addition, lock your bag onto yourself or where you are sleeping.

• Show extreme caution when accepting an invitation to go out, to a local pub, or a social event. Always stay in a group!

• Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where you are likely to be victimized. There include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sights, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities.

- A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket. Beware of groups of vagrant children who create a distraction while picking your pocket

• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by backpack/purse snatchers

• Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.

• Know how to use a pay phone and have the proper change or token on hand

• If you are in a country where English is not hte main language, learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers and contact information you may need: police, fire, your roommate, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Valuables, Money & Important Documents

• Keep a copy of your passport numbers and identification in an accessible and secure place in case your passport is lost or stolen

• Never attempt to exchange money illegally

• In you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.

Additional safety information can be found on the Center for Global Education website.